Recent years have played witness to a tremendous boom in the home-improvement industry. As television shows geared toward do-it-yourself projects have gained popularity, more and more people have begun to do their own home improvements with varying degrees of both difficulty and success.

Whereas some jobs are ideal even for first time for do-it-yourselfers, others may require more knowledge. Kitchen countertop installation is one such job where it's good to be in the know before starting out. Perhaps the most difficult decision with such a project is choosing the right countertop material, a decision where the choices differ greatly, both in style and price.

* Ceramic tile. This could be the ideal choice for most homes as it's relatively inexpensive as well as durable and easy to clean. Ceramic tile is also one of the easier countertops for the weekend warrior to install, as you can buy it in pieces or sections and install one section at a time.

Unlike certain countertop choices, ceramic tile also handles the ups and downs of a kitchen well, more specifically by not burning when hot pans are placed atop it. However, ceramic tile can chip or crack rather easily.

* Stainless steel. Stainless steel is certainly not the choice for everyone or every home. However, those looking for a more contemporary feel to their kitchen should consider stainless steel. Stainless steel responds well to heat and is also very durable. However, keep in mind that a stainless-steel countertop might not be the most practical choice because it's both expensive and cannot be scratched.

* Marble. Certainly not the choice for those looking to save a few dollars, a marble countertop is among the most expensive not to mention aesthetically appealing options for countertops. If most people had an endless budget, chances are marble countertops would be among their top two choices.

Marble is not the choice for those who aren't fond of cleaning or those who might have small children around the house. That's because marble stains rather easily, meaning you'll need to keep a close eye on it for it to maintain its special appearance.

* Granite. Joining marble in the top two of dream countertops is granite, another very expensive option but one that is among the more beautiful choices you can make. Like marble, granite requires its owners to keep a watchful eye since it absorbs stains and can crack, despite absorbing heat very well.

* Laminates. Formica countertops are laminates, which are made of plastic-coated synthetics. The pieces are good for those on a budget, as laminate countertops are less expensive than most options. However, installation can be expensive since the pieces themselves need to be cut to size and finished -- processes that can be expensive. While laminates are durable, once cracked or chipped they can be extremely difficult to fix, many times leading owners to purchase new countertops altogether.

* Soapstone. Soapstone counters are good for those looking to give their kitchen a unique look as soapstone countertops are less common. Typically dark gray and durable, soapstone is also good at handling stains. Maintenance, however, could be an issue for the less-than- devoted, as regular maintenance is necessary to avoid cracking. 

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